Environmental Specialist

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

Individual Consultant – Environmental Specialist

Country: Republic of Uzbekistan

Project: Transforming Public Education for Economic Growth

Financing: World Bank – Grant for Project Preparation (GFPP)

Grant No.: E5370

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MoPSE)

Selection Method: Individual Consultant Selection (ICS)

1. Background

The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with the support of the World Bank, is preparing the Transforming Public Education for Economic Growth Operation, aimed at improving the quality, accessibility, and inclusiveness of school education.

The Operation is designed as a hybrid Program-for-Results (PforR) with an Investment Project Financing (IPF) component. A Grant for Project Preparation (GFPP) supports preparatory activities, including feasibility studies, development of environmental instruments, screening of proposed school sites, and integration of sustainability and climate-resilient principles into school infrastructure planning.

Implementation is coordinated by the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE) through a dedicated Implementation Office.

MoPSE now invites Expressions of Interest from qualified individuals for the position of Environmental Specialist, to be engaged on a part-time basis.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to support and coordinate environmental aspects of Operation preparation, ensuring that environmental risks are identified, assessed, and managed in compliance with national environmental legislation and the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

3. Scope of Services

The Environmental Specialist will be responsible, inter alia, for:

- Supporting environmental aspects of the Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA) under the PforR component;

- Preparing and supporting environmental instruments under the IPF/TA component, including the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), and environmental screening tools;

- Conducting environmental screening of proposed school sites and supporting integration of environmental requirements into feasibility studies and design activities;

- Coordinating with national and local environmental authorities on environmental compliance matters;

- Supporting incorporation of climate adaptation, energy efficiency, occupational health and safety, and disaster-risk reduction measures into model school designs;

- Monitoring environmental compliance and preparing environmental inputs to project progress reports;

- Supporting stakeholder consultations related to environmental instruments.

4. Qualification Requirements

Interested candidates should meet the following minimum requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, ecology, or a related field;

- Three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience in environmental management for infrastructure or public sector projects;

- Experience working on World Bank– or other IFI-financed projects with environmental responsibilities;

- Demonstrated experience in preparation of environmental instruments (e.g. ESMF, ESCP, screening tools, ESMP-type instruments);

- Knowledge of Uzbekistan’s environmental legislation and the World Bank ESF;

- Proficiency in English, with working knowledge of Uzbek and Russian;

- Strong analytical, coordination, and reporting skills.

5. Duration and Level of Effort

The assignment is expected to be for a period of twelve (12) months, including a three-month probation period, and will be carried out on a part-time basis.

The exact level of effort and work schedule shall be agreed during contract negotiations and defined in the Individual Consultant Contract, based on operational needs. The assignment may be extended subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

6. Submission of Expressions of Interest

Interested candidates are invited to submit an Expression of Interest, including an updated Curriculum Vitae, demonstrating that they meet the required qualifications and experience.

Deadline for submission:

9 January 2026, 17-00 Tashkent time (GMT+5)